Suzuki Fronte restoration

cappo · **Posted:** Sat Dec 27, 2008 3:19 pm

Hello to all,

A few years ago I found a rare Suzuki Fronte. It was in a very bad condition but neverless we decided it could be saved. During the restoration we made several photos . It gives an impression how much work was carried out. At the end it should look like the one on black and white photos.

http://gallery.me.com/mspoelstra#100014&view=carouseljs&sel=0

ben · **Posted:** Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:14 pm

Great job! Amazing resto, thanks for sharing.

Welcome to JNC!

cappo · **Posted:** Sun Dec 28, 2008 12:59 pm

Thanks Ben,
I keep you informed about the progress. Paint job is next job and will be carried out in new year, Then correct striping will follow. After this job wewill put all parts on the car again. We keep our fingers crossed all parts wil fit and work.

Garant · **Posted:** Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:15 pm

way cool

i don't even recall seeing one of these in japan

cappo · **Posted:** Mon Dec 29, 2008 11:47 am

The Fronte was a very popular car in Japan. In Europe a few hunderd were solc.

For more information about the Suzuki Fronte please visit Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Fronte

Feel free to visit my website about more rare Suzukis

www.suzuki-collection.com

cappo · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:01 pm

Hello Skunk,

You are well informed. It all started with the export of 360 cc (LC10). This was indeed not powerfull for European motorway cruising. Later Suzuki produced a limited edition special for the European market with an increased engine. My car is indeed this rare 500 cc version (LC50). In total Suzuki exported 200 cars to Holland and 400 to Belgium.

Responsible for the import was the Dutch Toyota distributor Louwman and Parqui. They used there branche BV Nimag. It is unlikely that they destroyed the unsold Suzukis. Perhaps they returned the cars back to Japan.

Indeed the history of BV Nimag is not correct. They did not mention the Fronte. However in their magazine dedicated to the anniversary they had a old press photo of the Fronte. Perhaps one of the reason is that they don't know it anymore. In 1993 they suffered from a big fire. This destroyed the complete company including the archives.

I keep you informed.

PS I have uploaded some extra restoration photos

michiel · **Posted:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 2:55 am

Wow, a Dutch Fronte, good work! I would love to own one some day, but a Honda N600 will probably be an easier option...

Here's one for sale by a Suzuki bike specialist, I think he wants about 7000 euro for it:

And here's a picture I found in a Dutch archive:

Groet,
Michiel

michiel · **Posted:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 2:56 am

I forgot I had this as well, a press release/brochure:

ben · **Posted:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:33 am

Ha, that is too cool. I didn't know it was exported there. Looks like it has somewhat of a following too!

cappo · **Posted:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:05 pm

Thanks for the pictures my friends,

Skunk: the parts shown are from Suzuki's racing department called Racingmate. I have managed to purchase many genuine parts. I will make a sporty version like te red one on the photos including the fuel cap on the bonnet.

Michiel: The red car is one of the few servived Frontes in Holland. Unfortunatly not complete original. look at the bumpers. They are painted black.

Here is an impression what my car will look like... It will be a stuning appearance....

colink · **Posted:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:00 pm

Amazing restoration

cappo · **Posted:** Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:35 am

Hello Friends,

The paintjob done. The Fronte looks great now! After all the destructionwork we finally start building up.

On the bonnet you can see where the chrome fuelcab comes. Remember the engine is in the rear and the fueltank is located in the front. This normally means opening the front bonnet to put fuel in the tank. With the new opening it is much more convenient and gives the car a sporty look.

In order to make it more sporty the next step is fitting the striping and decals on the car. More photos will follow, please visit the album for the latest pictures.

http://gallery.me.com/mspoelstra#100014&view=grid&bgcolor=black&sel=41

degruchy · **Posted:** Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:52 pm

cappo wrote:

The Fronte was a very popular car in Japan. In Europe a few hunderd were solc.

For more information about the Suzuki Fronte please visit Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Fronte

Feel free to visit my website about more rare Suzukis

www.suzuki-collection.com

Many years ago I found a Suzuki Fronte (LC10) brochure amongst a small collection I purchased. I was not aware that this model was imported into Australia - the brochure is English language RHD. Recently I saw an ad from an old Australian magazine listed on eBay. A price was listed but no dealer.

Anyone know anything about Fronte's in Australia?

cappo · **Posted:** Sun Jan 18, 2009 1:09 pm

@degrunchy: Are you sure this was an Australian brochure? I know that Suzuki sold cars in the UK. Perhaps you found an UK brochure?

ludesj · **Posted:** Sun Jan 18, 2009 10:30 pm

Sorry to interrupt, but degruchy, check PMs please! Thanks =)

degruchy · **Posted:** Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:27 am

cappo wrote:

@degrunchy: Are you sure this was an Australian brochure? I know that Suzuki sold cars in the UK. Perhaps you found an UK brochure?

Hi Cappo,

If they sold Fronte LC10's on the UK market, it may very well be a UK brochure. However, I have seen an advertisement from an Australian magazine for sale on eBay - I have no idea how many (if any) came here, but would love to know their history.

Cheers,
Duane

degruchy · **Posted:** Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:28 am

ludesj wrote:

Sorry to interrupt, but degruchy, check PMs please! Thanks =)

Sorry Jeff...got it! Let me know if the email does not arrive.

Cheers,
Duane

cappo · **Posted:** Tue Jan 20, 2009 12:41 pm

Hello Duane,

I have one brochure of the Fronte 500 from the Dutch Distributor. Funny thing is that its written in French and English but not in Dutch. Perhaps did you see this advertisment?

degruchy · **Posted:** Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:13 pm

Hi Cappo,

Nice brochure, but no, the advert I saw was taken from a newspaper or black and white magazine. It was also for a 360 model. The brochure I have is also for a 360cc LC10, right hand drive, English text only.

I searched on eBay, but could not find the advert again.

Cheers,
Duane

ben · **Posted:** Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:11 pm

Very cool! What year is that brochure from?

Suzuki Fronte restoration

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